Screen time

SCOTT MOOREThe Washington Post

Published Sunday, October 15, 2006

Dangerous mission

Don't be late for "Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker." The thrilling new movie, which opened in theaters Friday, literally begins with a bang, followed by a motorcycle chase, lots of gunfire, more explosions and more gunfire.

This is good news for fans of Anthony Horowitz's books about a seemingly ordinary 14-year-old recruited to be a British spy after his guardian dies. And it's an instant tip, the author told KidsPost, "that this kid is really in danger -- that it isn't just a Cody Banks-style romp."

Serious fans of Alex Rider (played by Alex Pettyfer) will notice that Horowitz has changed many details, including deleting some scenes. But, sit back and enjoy; there's more than enough action to fill 90 minutes.

"Over the Hedge," out on DVD on Tuesday, includes "Hammy's Boomerang Adventure." The funny short film about the hyper squirrel is worth repeated playings. ... For a different kind of talking-animal movie, check out the 25th-anniversary release of "The Fox and the Hound." A DVD sequel is due in December.

Gamers: Next week you can have more fun with SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature From the Krusty Krab, for various systems.